§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on measures to prevent fraud in health service computer procurement.
§ Mr. SackvilleEach health authority is responsible for establishing sound financial controls to safeguard its resources. Directions to this effect were issued to all health authorities within health circular HC(91)25.
The Department issued specific guidance in 1987, "Buying information technology goods and services", on good practice in NHS computer procurement. This guidance is currently being reviewed by a joint working party of the Department and the NHS supplies authority. The work should lead to the issue of revised guidance later this year.
All procurement is monitored by internal auditors, and by external statutory auditors appointed by the Audit Commission.
Copies of the current guidance are available in the Library.